News in Honiton

A popular author has officially opened a new play area in Dalwood - raising important funds for improvements to the Jubilee Field and Pavilion in the process.

It's exam season, and it is safe to say that it's always a stressful time for students.

As a student myself in year 12, I am witnessing what I have already experienced in year 11 and also what I shall likely experience in year 13 - stress. Lots and lots of stress.

This week marked national Dementia Action Week 2019, dedicated to generating awareness of the illness throughout the UK.

Here in Honiton, as a result of the incredible efforts from our local Dementia Action Alliance, the week has culminated in some resounding successes.

Woz on. It has been a bit of a quiet week at Tonsville, well that's if you don't count the odd planning meeting or talking to Environmental health officers about arranging yet another date for a "dog mess" conflab, oh joy!

We had a great day at the club on Sunday as it was junior presentations day. It was great to see a whole army of junior players and their families down to watch everyone collect their trophies.

This evening marked the town's Mayor Making ceremony, which saw Councillor John Zarczynski inaugurated as Town Mayor for 2019/20. This will be his second term in the position, which he occupied the year before last in 2017.

The ceremony opened with an address delivered by Deputy Town Mayor, Councillor Duncan Sheridan-Shaw. He spoke of a renewed sense of consolidation amongst town council members, who are all looking forward to positive change in the year ahead.

Home-Start are looking for volunteers in the Honiton area to provide support for families with young children.

Are you thinking about a change of career? The Volunteer Preparation Course is a free 6-week training course, which can be accredited with CERTA. Go to Awliscombe Village Hall on Tuesday, June 11 at 9.30am to find out how you can get involved.

For Otter Brewery founders, David and Mary Ann McCaig, retirement meant an opportunity to embark upon a new, exciting business venture.

It seems only natural that the innovative pair of fine-taste enthusiasts would branch out into the ever expanding world of craft distillery.

Honiton's status as a market town has been in place since it was granted a charter in the 13th century. For hundreds of years, the high street has regularly accommodated for the many varied stalls that the market attracts.

It runs every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings and boasts a wide variety of produce including; artisan bread, birthday cards, plants, clothes and wicker ware.

Robot lawnmowers are now in action in Honiton as the district council assesses their cost saving potential.

Residents in East Devon should not be too surprised if they catch a glimpse of self-operating lawnmowers busy cutting the grass in parks and gardens in Honiton and Exmouth over the coming months.

Places at events and activities during #inhoniton events week (May 25-31) are being snapped up fast, so residents are being reminded to book now while there is still some availability.

All the events are free and offer a great chance to try new experiences, as well as meeting staff from East Devon District Council.